Child Health Day, 2001

Proclamation 7476 of October 1, 2001

Child Health Day, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Many of us fondly remember the joys and challenges of
childhood and appreciate the endless sacrifices that
our families made to love, protect, and encourage us as
we grew into adulthood. On Child Health Day, we take
time as parents and concerned citizens to assess the
health and well-being of our children and to reaffirm
our commitment to nurture and care for them in the best
way possible.

To secure the strength and continued growth of our
great Nation, we must work to provide all of our
children with the opportunities and tools they must
have to succeed. From quality health care and safe
living environments to emotional support and timely
encouragement, our children need and deserve our utmost
attention.

In light of the tragic terrorist attacks of September
11, 2001, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that
our children feel safe. We must listen carefully to
them and help them express and work through feelings of
fear, confusion, and sorrow. And, most importantly, we
must let them know that they are loved. Children who
feel loved and supported can better reach their full
potential and achieve their dreams.

As parents, teachers, and neighbors, we must be aware
of, and work to prevent, the physical, emotional, and
psychological threats that potentially endanger our
children. Parents must be vigilant in ensuring that
their children are immunized against preventable
diseases. They should check their homes for cleaning
products, gases, and other hazards, including lead-
based paint, radon, carbon monoxide, and allergens that
may cause chronic illnesses, respiratory disorders, and
sometimes death. Children should be taught to be wary
of strangers who approach them and to seek the help of
someone they trust when faced with uncomfortable
situations. We also must use innovative teaching
methods to encourage our children to develop positive
habits such as regular exercise, good nutrition,
abstinence from drugs, alcohol, and inappropriate
sexual behavior, and good personal hygiene.

Our steadfast commitment to the health and welfare of
our children is especially important for those who have
special health care needs. Children who suffer from
chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, and
emotional conditions require specialized services in
their communities. I encourage parents and caretakers
to recognize these health problems, to obtain
specialized care as necessary, and to monitor their
children's conditions closely in order to give them
every advantage toward leading a successful, fulfilling
life.

My Administration is strongly committed to supporting
families and children in need and to improving our
education system so that no child is left behind. Let
us work together as individuals, families, communities,
and Americans to ensure that the health of our children
always remains a national priority. The Congress, by a
joint resolution approved May 18, 1928, as amended
(U.S.C. 105), has called for the designation of the
first Monday in October as ``Child Health Day'' and has
requested the President to issue a proclamation in
observance of this day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim Monday,
October 1, 2001, as Child Health Day. On this day, and
on every day throughout the year, I call upon families,
schools, child health professionals, communities, and
governments to dedicate themselves to fostering the
healthy development and well-being of all our
children--especially those with special health care
needs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of October, in the year of our Lord two
thousand one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

(Presidential Sig.)B